Notting Hill Carnival- what we have learned from this year’s mistakes

Congestion and delays are predictable, so follow our savvy tips rather than following the crowd to get you there faster, and in better spirits. Go to a nearby station and walk. Do not get the tube to Notting Hill Gate station like every other of the 1 million people going. Extensive queuing and hot overfilled carriages does not make that experience a particularly pleasant one. Get off the tube at High Street Kensington, Queensway or another surrounding station and walk the rest of the way. Avoids the crowds, yet is still good for people watching.

Firstly, if a slightly toned down experience is what you’re after then go on the Sunday. This is more family friendly and supposedly less raucous than the Monday event. If it all gets slightly too much, escape to one of the nearby parks for a breath of fresh air. Hyde Park is not too far away from the carnival site, but feels a million miles away in terms of environment. Walk around the park or give your feet a rest and recharge your batteries before heading back into the festivities. Alternatively, there is an abundance of cute pub gardens around Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove.